Man quizzed over attack on diplomat

A senior British diplomat has lost the sight in one eye after being attacked in a west London cemetery

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Detectives are questioning a man in connection with the mugging of a senior British diplomat who was attacked while walking through a cemetery and left partially blinded.

Bermuda's new Governor George Fergusson had surgery on his left eye on Saturday after being attacked in Hammersmith Cemetery, west London, but his sight in the affected eye could not be saved, said the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).

The 56-year-old received other facial injuries in the attack on Friday night but managed to walk to a nearby hospital.

He was discharged by doctors on Sunday afternoon.

Police are questioning a 29-year-old man on suspicion of robbery after he was arrested on Sunday evening.

He is being held in a west London police station, said Scotland Yard.

An FCO spokesman said Mr Fergusson, who lives in Lambeth with his wife Margaret, was still expected to take up the post of Governor on the tiny British overseas territory next month.

He has previously served as Governor of the Pitcairn Islands and high commissioner to New Zealand and Samoa.

Mr Fergusson was attacked at around 7.30pm while walking in Margravine Cemetery and Park, also known as Hammersmith Cemetery. A small quantity of cash was taken.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Anyone with any information that may assist police should call Hammersmith and Fulham CID on 020 8246 2413 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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